iceblock chandelier

When you are looking for that special chandelier for your chalet up in the mountains, you may want to consider Lianne Gold's Grande Ciclo (Big Sky) chandelier.  I think the look goes perfectly within a wooden lodge; reminds me a lot of ice blocks in the winter.  Find it at Ralph Pucci International.

Hockney water into a lamp

Remember that masterfully painted David Hockney Los Angeles pool paintings?  Well, Poetic Lab came up with Ripple lamp to give you that ripple effect on your wall.  I guess a much cheaper way to obtain that ripple effect than buying a Hockney painting!  LOL.  How the ripple is created is by having one stationary dome projecting light through a larger slowly rotating dome.  Naturally the domes are all handblown crystal.  Get yours at Stillfried. 

Fire screen extraordinaire!

This Pietra Santa Fire Screen reminds me a lot of paintings by Gustav Klimt.  Perhaps it is inspired by his paintings?  Either way, the screen is perfect for a midcentury modern home or a futuristic ultra sleek interior.  Either way it will bring lots of color and chicness to any interior.  Find more info on Philip Nimmo's website.

Tire of your normal doorlock?

Recently heard the founder of the company talking about this innovative lock set. I've seen few of these before but this is the first one that actually looks highend and clean cut.  Definitely on my to get list!  This Goji lock is available in June!

dots dots everywhere!

If there is one artist who is known for dots, it has to be Yayoi Kusama.  She obsessively puts dots everywhere.  And I mean EVERYWHERE!!!  She was originally born in Japan but moved to the States in 1958 to NYC.  In the 60s, she regularly exhibit along with Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg and her art was associated with Pop Art movement.  In 1973, she moved back to Japan and continue with her art as well as published several books.  In 1993, she represented Japan at the Venice Biennale.  She has been exhibited at MOMA, Tate Modern, Walker Art Center, LACMA, Centre Pompidou, and Whiteney Museum of American Art among others.   One of her artwork was sold for $5.1M recently which made her the highest auction record holder for a living female artist.  Luckily for us mere mortals, we can purchase her soft sculpture at Whitney for $350.  Pretty good deal if you ask me.

Hiroshi Sugimoto + Hermes = sublime

Hiroshi Sugimoto needs no introduction to anyone who have taken art history 101 in college.  But for those of you whom are not familiar with him, he was born in Japan and moved to US to study at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles in 1970.  He is mostly known for his photographic series that captures abstract qualities such as movement, spirit, light, space, and time.  He had exhibited at Hirshhorn Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC, The Met, MOCA in Los Angeles.  Basically who's who museums in US and around the world.

True to his photographs, these scarves that he collaborated with Hermes have sublime quality to them.  Somehow they just look ethereal.  Personally I would just frame any of these scarves and hang them on walls instead of wearing them.  Scarves can be purchased here.    

Valentino table made by Valentino?

Who knew Valentino makes marble tables....Well, not exactly.  This table, although called Valentino table, is actually designed by Emanuele Zenere for Cattelan Italia.  Table may look slightly unstable, but cylinder in white Carrara marble ensures that this table ain't going anywhere.  I think it's perfect as a conference table and definitely elegant enough to sit in any Valentino boutique.  Don't you think?

Pietra dura, the modern way

For those of you unfamiliar with what pietra dura means, it basically is using cut stones to compose an image and inlaid it into a piece of furniture.  The technique has been around since Ancient Rome but was most popular during 17th to 19th century.  Many highly prized 18th century French furniture are embedded with pietra dura. 

Patrick Naggar of Ralph Pucci took the concept and ran with it.  The result is something reminiscent of the past but yet distinctly present.  This gem cabinet is truly unique and will fit into your modern interior seamlessly. 

The new Le Corbu

When I first started studying architecture, I fell in love with works from SANAA.  This Japanese firm is headed by two architects: Sejima and Nishizawa.  I find their work elegant and beautiful.  They are not the type to design something with crazy shapes or color.  Their work is more subtle and minimalist.  I think they are the modern day Corbusier.  I believe good architecture doesn't need to be flashy but it needs to have a good proportion with great detail.  SANAA achieved that and then some.  That's why they were awarded with Pritzker Prize in 2010, the highest honor any architect would dream to receive.  In 2009, they designed the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London.  This is what they said about their project: "The Pavilion is floating aluminum, drifting freely between the trees like smoke.  Its appearance changes according to the weather, allowing it to melt into the surroundings.  It works as a field of activity with no walls, allowing uninterrupted view across the park and encouraging access from all sides."  The pavilion is no exist but Serpentine Gallery sells SANAA prints of the pavilion on their online shop! 

Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve winner!!!!

Congrats to Xunle M.!  You are the winner of my Marc by Marc Jacobs tablet sleeve giveaway!  Please send me your US mailing address within a week so I can mail your prize out promptly.

Thank you everyone else for entering.  Until next time.  Have a great week!

From one Michelin star to two

I remember going to Quince when they first re-opened at their Jackson square location.  Food was wonderful.  I specifically remember their huckleberry souffle.  It was just divine!  At that time, they had one Michelin star.  I returned couple times since.  The last time I returned, they were upgraded to two Michelin stars.  The menu had changed as well.  I can see why they were upgraded.  The menu feels a lot more concise and controlled.  Before they had a la carte menu but now they only offer prix-fixe menu.  I can see why they did that as that gives them a better control of the food and presentation.  The service felt more orchestrated and refined as well.  Not that the old Quince was a mess or anything but now everything just feel like it's coming together nicely.  Typically for me, I feel like there is always some kind of miss in an one Michelin star restaurant, but when you get to two Michelin stars, all the kinks should have been worked out.  I can honestly say that everything I had at Quince last time was delectable; everything was cooked perfectly; I can't think of anything to complaint about.  Oh yes, there was one.  When they bring out the petite fours at the end, it was 6 different ones and both my best friend and I have always, always fought over who gets the pate de fruit.  But Quince had that solved as well.  They brought out additional pate de fruit for the whole table without batting an eye.  Everyone at the table agreed that we are coming back again! 

Not your average hammock

We all have an affinity to anything that swings; I think it probably reminds us of our childhood.  Well, Jim Zivic took it up a notch with his hammock.  This one is not the one you used to swing on your local childhood playground.  This adult version is ultra luxurious and great for taking a nap on anytime.  Get your fix at Ralph Pucci in NYC or Weho.

awwwwww, that is so cute!

Pugs have been celebrated since forever... from Queen Victoria of England to fashion god Valentino.  Meissen, the first European factory to produce white gold (aka true ceramic) in Europe have been making pug accessories since 18th century... be it finial of a walking cane to snuff boxes.  For all you ladies who want to show off your love for pugs, you have a modern option: pug pendants.  Meissen recently came out with a pug pendant that you can dangle it from your necklace or charm bracelet.  Just be aware that whenever you wear it, you will get a lot of "awwwww, that is so cute!" comments.

Jet.set.go!

I recently came across this intriguing tile design.  I just thought it is one of the nicest bathroom mosaic tiles available on the market today.  I just love the grayish blue color juxtaposed with white carrara marble.  I can totally see this inlaid in a Hollywood Regency bathroom floor or set as a feature wall at the end of a long hallway.  Love the honed finish.  Perfection.  See more on Walker Zanger's webite.   

Saint Louis crystal is branching out!

Everyone knows Saint Louis Crystal is one of the top premier glass maker in the world.  After all, Hermes carries them in their boutiques and you know Hermes only associate themselves with the best of the best.  Well, Saint Louis has dipped their toes into modern aesthetic!  This gorgeous light designed by Godefroy de Virieu & Stefania di Petrillo is nice, simple and yet elegant.  Nice to see Saint Louis Crystal broke away from their traditional forms.    

Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve Giveaway!

Let's see what is the occasion this time....?  How about just because!  I'm giving away a green Marc Jacobs Electronic Tablet Sleeve.  As it states elegantly on the packaging:

This Marc by Marc Jacobs electronic tablet sleeve is the ultimate home away from home for your electronic tablet.  The form fitting construction is lined with faux fur to keep your baby safe, secure and oh-so-scratch-free.  The Marc by Marc Jacobs custom styling shows the world you know how to let loose, even when you play it safe. 

Please note: apologies to my international friends - I wish I could extend these giveaways to you but legal restrictions prevent it. Thanks for understanding.  

A little Bedazzling never hurts

It never hurts to add a little bit of bling into your interior as long as it's not over the top.  I came across this wallpaper company called Meystyle the other day and I just have to share it with you.  Founder Maria and Ekaterina Yaschuk are a perfect combination for this endeavor; one is a textile artist while the other one is a spatial designer.  Together, the sisters started this company that produces wallpaper bedazzled with Swarvoski crystals!  While their wallpaper can be a bit overwhelming with tons of patterns, I think they are perfect for small areas like powder rooms or statement walls like behind master beds or entries of boutique hotel lobbies. 

Lucite Chic

Who knew Lucite can be so chic?!  Italian firm Silia knew.... They are transforming ordinary lucite blocks into sexy table lamps.  This Fume lamp has overlapping rectangular shapes encased within a rectangular block.  How did they do that?  Don't be looking at me as I have no idea.  But the result is 70s vintage chic that has been transformed into modern glam.  Get yours at Flair Home. 

Not your grandma's fruit platter

If you are looking for something that goes with your grandma's doily, this ain't it.  However, if you are looking for something that look like out of this world... perhaps something extraterrestrial, then head off to Mosspop.  That's where you are going to find Amanda Levete's FS bowl!  Why would you want it?  Well, not only is the bowl in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, but this Belgium made bowl will become the talk of the table when your guests sit down for fabulous dinner party you throw regularly.

Is that done by CNC milling?

When I first took a look at this picture, right away I thought to myself CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling.  I mean how else can can the walls/ceiling be done?  Well, turned out that this restaurant named Auriga (in Mumbai, India) was done by hand sketches with carpenters onsite!  Architect Sanjay Puri literally go to the job site every other day and direct carpenters where all the angles are going to go and how they are going to be connected!  As you can see, the result is spectacular!